[0001] The present invention relates to nano-sized metals or metal salts stabilized by using
semi-telechelic and telechelic polymers synthesized by living anionic polymerization,
and their synthetic methods.
[0002] Conventional nano-sized metal particles are synthesized by using electrolytes or
emulsifiers such as dodecylthiol. General methods and requirements for synthesizing
nano-sized transition metal particles are described in the literature in detail
(Langmuir, vol. 13, pp. 639-646). Further, methods for preparation of functionalized polymers
and telechelic polymers and their fields of application are well described in available
literature
(Telechelic Polymers: Synthesis and Applications, published in 1989).
[0003] Various methods for preparation of nano-sized metals and metal salts are known. The
methods are roughly divided into the sol-gel process and the chemical vapor deposition
(deposition in a gaseous state). Size, type and stability of nanoparticles are usually
affected by the synthetic methodology. The sol-gel process in liquid medium may produce
nano-sized particles directly in the liquid state; however, the stability of the synthesized
particles is a significant problem. General ways to solve such problems are well described
in the art
(Nanostructured Science and Technology: A Worldwide Study, chapter 2, published in 1999). Specifically, the sol-gel processes using micelle
or polymers having functionalized groups for controlling size and stability are described
in
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2002, vol. 41, pp. 688-714; and
Science 1992, vol. 257, pp. 219-223. However, a limitation of the materials used in these methods
has led to a certain limited production of types of nano-sized metals.
[0004] It is, therefore, an objective of the present invention to provide new methods to
prepare nano-sized metals and metal salts readily stabilized even in ambient air.
[0005] This invention relates to methods for synthesizing polymer-stabilized nano-sized
metals or metal salts based on research in which chain-end functionalized polymers
prepared through living anionic polymerization were found to be effective to readily
stabilize nano-sized metals or metal salts.
[0006] Additionally, this invention relates to a method for stabilization of nano-sized
metals or metal salts in polymeric matrices using semi-telechelic and/or telechelic
polymers having molecular weight between 1,000 to 100,000 prepared by chain-end functionalization
of living polymer.
[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides nano-sized metal particles and their
salts stabilized in air, wherein the metal particles and the salts exist within telechelic
polymer matrices (α,ω-difunctionalized polymers) having molecular weights of 1,000
to 100,000.
[0008] The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent
from the following description of the preferred examples given in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is an electron micrograph of telechelic polymers having chain-end hydroxyl
groups containing CdS particles, as synthesized in Example 9.
Fig. 2 is an electron micrograph of telechelic polymers having chain-end sulfonic
acid groups containing CdS particles, as synthesized in Example 9.
[0009] Preferred examples of the present invention will now be described.
[0010] The present invention is based on studies to accomplish the objective of the present
invention and discovery that nano-sized metals and metal salts can be stabilized by
using chain-end functionalized polymers, which are synthesized by living anionic polymerization.
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention relates to nano-sized metals and metal salts stabilized
within a polymer matrix by using semi-telechelic and telechelic polymers synthesized
by living anionic polymerization, and their synthesizing methods.
[0012] More particularly, the present invention relates to nano-sized metal particles and
metal salts, stabilized in air and which are in a chain-end functionalized polymer
matrix having molecular weights of 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol, selected from the group
consisting of the following formulas 1 through 5, and methods for their synthesis.

wherein, R
1 and R
2 are hydrogen (H), methyl group (-CH
3), or t-butyl group (-C(CH
3)
3); X
1 and Y
1 are independently carboxyl group (-COOH), hydroxyl group (-OH), sulfonic acid group
(-SO
3H), phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3) or thiol group (-SH); and, n is an integer of 10 to 5.000.

wherein, R
3 and R
4 are hydrogen (H) or methyl group (-CH
3); X
2 and X
3 are hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group] or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3); and m is an integer of 20 to 10,000.

wherein, X
4 is hydroxyl group (-OH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group]; Y
2 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group] or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3); A
1 is a styrenic monomer; B
1 is methyl methacrylate (MMA), vinylpyridine, or diene monomer; and, o or p are integers
of 10 to 5,000.
[0013] Further, the present invention relates to a method for preparing nano-sized metals
and metal salts stabilized in a polymer matrix comprising the steps of providing a
chain-end functionalized polymer of Formulas 1 to 5 having a molecular weight of 1,000
to 100,000; dissolving the polymers in a solvent; adding a metal salt solution to
the resulting solution to make the molar ratio of polymer to metal salts having ratios
of 1000 : 1 to 1 : 1; and adding a reducing agent to the solution mix.
[0014] The present invention provides nano-sized metal particles and their salts stabilized
in air, wherein the metal particles and the salts exist within a matrix of telechelic
polymers (α,ω-difunctionalized polymers) of the following Formula 6 having molecular
weight of 1,000 to 100,000.

wherein, A
2 is a monomer such as styrenic monomer, MMA, vinylpyridine monomer or diene monomer;
n is an integer of 10 to 5,000; and X
5 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group], sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3).
[0015] Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for preparing nano-sized
metals and metal salts stabilized in a polymer matrix comprising the steps of providing
a difunctionalized telechelic polymer of Formula 6 having molecular weight of 1,000
to 100,000; dissolving the polymer in a solvent; adding a metal salt solution to the
resulting solution to make the molar ratio of polymer : metal salts to be 1,000 :
1 to 1 1; and adding a reducing agent to the mixed solution.
[0016] The present invention provides a nanostructure wherein the nano-sized metal particles
are self-assembled by mixing with block copolymers of the following Formula 7 or 8
wherein phase separation occurs, and the nano-sized metal particles are stabilized
in air and exist within a matrix of chain-end functionalized polymers of Formulas
1 to 5 having molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000.

wherein, A
3 is a styrenic monomer; B
2 is MMA, vinylpyridine monomer or diene monomer; m and n are each an integer of 10
to 5,000; X
6 is hydrogen (H), hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group]; and Y
3 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group], or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3).

wherein, A
4, B
3 and C are different and are styrenic monomer, diene monomer, MMA or vinylpyridine
monomer; k, m and n are each an integer of 10 to 5,000; X
7 and Y
4 are hydrogen (H), hydroxyl group (-OH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group]; Y
5 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group] or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3).
[0017] Additionally, the present invention provides a nanostructure wherein the nano-sized
metal particles are self-assembled by mixing with block copolymers of Formula 7 or
8 wherein phase separation occurs, the nano-sized metal particles being stabilized
in air and existing within a matrix of telechelic polymers (α,ω-difunctionalized polymers)
of Formula 6 having molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000.
[0018] The nano-sized metal particles include, for example, Au, Ag, Pt (II), Pd (II), CdS,
TiO
2, γ-Fe
2O
3 particles.
[0019] The molecular weight of the polymer synthesized by living anionic polymerization
can be controlled and quantitative chain-end functionalizations of living polymers
can be achieved. Thus, size and shape of transition metals can be controlled by using
various types of functionalized polymers or block copolymers.
[0020] Further, as quantitative chain-end functionalization can be performed, the present
invention has the advantage of selection of the kind of functional groups required
for diverse application. The functional groups include hydroxyl group, sulfonic acid
group, carboxyl group, thiol group, amine group, tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R is -CH
3 or -C
2H
5] and phthalic anhydride group. Detailed description on methods for preparing the
functional groups are disclosed in
Comprehensive Polymer Science, published in 1992, the first Supplement vol., chapter 5, pp. 83 ~ 106, and
Advances in Polymer Science, published in 2000, vol. 153, pp. 68 ~ 162).
[0021] More particularly, the present invention can easily achieve nano-sizing of transition
metals, e.g. Pd, Cu, Cd, Pt, Pb, Au, Ag and Fe and their salts, which are used as
catalysts, semiconductor materials, and materials for data storage. The size of these
metal particles are 1 nm ~ 500 nm, preferably 1 nm ~ 50 nm.
[0022] Another advantage of the present invention is that microdevices can be easily manufactured
as the nano-sized metal particles stabilized by the chain-end functionalized (semi-telechelic
or telechelic) polymers are mixed in organic solvents with various types of self-assembled
block copolymers to easily become a nanostructure.
[0023] As telechelic or semi-telechelic polymers-coated nano-sized particles can be easily
nanostructured by mixing with self-assembled block copolymers, the nano-sized metals
and metal salts synthesized according to the present invention can be assembled three-dimensionally
within a polymer matrix. It is thus possible to form a nano-pattern through the calcination
of the polymer matrix in actual uses.
[0024] Monomers which can be used in the chain-end functionalized polymers of the present
invention include styrene and its derivatives, diene monomers, and acrylates, the
general formulas of which are as follows:
styrenic monomer :

diene monomer:
CH2=CR3-CH=CH2
acylic monomer :

wherein, R1, R3 and R4 are hydrogen (H) or methyl group (-CH3); R2 is hydrogen (H), methyl group (-CH3), t-butyl group (-C(CH3)3), silyloxy groups [-OSi(CH3)2(t-Bu)], amine group protected by silyl group [-N (Si(CH3)2)2]; R5 is hydrogen, methyl group (-CH3) or hydroxyethyl group (-CH2CH2OH); and X' is H, -N(CH3)2, -N(Si(CH3)3)2 or -OSi(t-Bu(CH3)2).
[0025] General shapes of the chain-end functionalized polymers used in the present invention
are as follows.
[0026] Semi-telechelic polymers

[0027] Telechelic polymers

wherein, X and Y are identical or different from each other, and they are carboxyl
group (-COOH), hydroxyl group (-OH), sulfonic acid group (―SO
3H), amine group (-NH
2), t-amine group [―N(R)
2; R = ―CH
3 or ―C
2H
5] or thiol group (-SH).
[0028] The polymerization initiator includes alkyl lithium, for example, n-butyllithium,
sec-butyllithium, t-butyllithium, diisopropylaminolithium; alkyl alkali metal and
alkyl alkoxide alkali metal wherein lithium is replaced with alkali metals such as
Na, K, Cs and Rb. And, the solvents include a nonpolar paraffinic solvent such as
pentane, hexane or heptane, an aromatic solvent such as cyclohexane, benzene or toluene,
tetrahydrofuran, and a mixed solution of a polar solvent and a nonpolar solvent of
the paraffin type, wherein the volume ratio of nonpolar solvent: polar solvent is
90:10~ 97 : 3. The living polymerizations in the solvents are well described in the
literature
(Anionic Polymerization: Principles and Practical Applications by Marcel Dekker, published in 1996).
[0029] The functionalized polymers, i.e. semi-telechelic polymers and telechelic polymers,
are synthesized by reacting CO
2, ethylene oxide, sultone (for example, 1,3-propanesultone or 1,4-butanesultone),
ethylene sulfide or propylene sulfide, or trimellitic anhydride chloride and the like
with the living polymers synthesized by using the aforementioned initiators or catalysts,
or by using monomers such as styrene derivative or diphenylethylene derivative having
protected functional groups, under high vacuum. General formulas of these monomers
are as follows.

wherein, R
6 includes hydrogen (H) or methyl group, and X" includes oxazoline, dimethylamino,
silyloxy, bis(trimethylsilyl)amino group.
[0030] Under high vacuum state, for instance, living polymers manufactured by polymerizing
styrene having protected reactive group in 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran using sec-butyllithium
(sec-BuLi; 1.0 x 10
-4 mol) as an initiator for 6 hours at temperature of- 78 °C, are reacted with 1.2 x
10
-4 mol of pre-purified 1,1-diphenylethylene for 4 hours, and again reacted with 2.0
x 10
-4 mol of 1,3-propanesultone for 24 hours at room temperature, thereby obtaining a semi-telechelic
polymer having quantitatively chain-end sulfonic acid group. The molecular weight
of the manufactured polymer can be controlled by the amount of monomers to be polymerized.
Yield of the obtained polymer can be analyzed by
1H NMR spectrum, which is described in the literature
(Macromolecules by R.P. Quirk and J. Kim, 25, 4515 published in 1991).
[0031] The semi-telechelic and telechelic polymers used in the present invention include
polystyrene, polybutadiene, isoprene, polystyrene derivatives, polymethyl methacrylate
(PMMA) and poly(vinylpyridine) [poly(4-vinylpyridine) or poly(2-vinylpyridine)], and
the appropriate molecular weight of the polymers is 500 ~ 200,000, preferably, 1,000
~ 50,000 and their concentration in use is 0.01 ~ 5.0 g/10 ml.
[0032] The concentration of the transition metal salts used for manufacturing the nano-sized
metals and metal salts in the present invention is in the range of 0.01 ~ 10 g/10
ml, and the reaction temperature of -78°C ~ 70°C, preferably 10°C ~ 50°C, and NaBH
4, H
2S and Na
2S etc., can be used as a reducing agent.
[0033] The present invention is explained in detail through the examples given below. However,
the examples presented here are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed
as limiting the invention.
Example 1
[0034] Under high vacuum, 500 ml of benzene was first distilled into 1 liter of a roundbottom
Pyrex flask containing 9.07 x 10
-3 mol of sec-BuLi delivered by using a syringe under argon gas, followed by delivering
20 ml of a purified styrene into the reactor and polymerizing at 25°C for 24 hours.
The molecular weight of the resulting polystyrene was 2,000 g/mol. Purified ethylene
oxide of 10 times excess molar ratio over poly(styryl)lithium was added under vacuum
and reacted for 24 h. The functionalization yield of chain-end hydroxylation of poly(styryl)lithium
was over 99 mol %.
[0035] After tetrahydrofuran of molar ratio of 5 times over poly(styryl)lithium synthesized
by the same manner as the above process was delivered into the reactor by the fractional
distillation, 1,1-diphenylethylene purified prior to the use was added thereto with
molar ratio of 2 times over the poly(styryl)lithium and reacted for 5 hours. Subsequently,
CO
2 gas of 99.99 % was delivered to the reactor. The yield of chain-end carboxylation
was over 99 mol %.
[0036] Chain-end sulfonation of poly(styryl)lithium was performed by adding 1,3-propanesultone
of molar ratio of 3 times over the living polymer capped with 1,1-diphenylethylene
instead of CO
2 gas. Again, terminally thiolated polymers having chain-end thiol group were prepared
by adding propylene sulfide of molar ratio of 3 times over the poly(styryl)lithium.
[0037] Each of 5 g of the functionalized polymers as manufactured above was dissolved in
100 ml of tetrahydrofuran in a 1 L of beaker, and hydrochloric acid/tetarhydrofuran
(1 N solution) was added to react for 24 hours with stirring so that lithium ion on
the functionalized polymers were replaced with hydrogen group.
[0038] The reaction of terminally hydroxylated polymer with trimellitic anhydride chloride
of 3 times molar ratio thereto under high vacuum at 30°C for 24 hours produced terminally
anhydride-functionalized polymer.
[0039] The molecular weights of the manufactured functionalized polymers were 500 ~ 100,000
g/mol on the basis of the result by gel permeation chromatographic analysis, and the
functionalization yield was not less than 99 mol% on the basis of the result by
1H NMR analysis.
Example 2
[0040] According to a method analogous to the method in Example 1, using lithium naphthalenide
(1.0 x 10
-2 mol) as an electron transfer catalyst, 10 g of styrene monomer was polymerized in
100 ml of a mixture of benzene/tetrahydrofuran (volume ratio: 95/5) at 25°C for 24
hours. The molecular weight of the resulting living polystyrene was 2,000 g/mol. The
reaction of 4.0 x 10
-2 mol of ethylene oxide with the resulting living polymer for 24 hours produced the
corresponding α,ω-dilithium poly(styrene) dihydroxylate, i.e., telechelic polymer
having hydroxyl groups at both chain ends.
[0041] According to the same method as in Example 1, each of telechelic polystyrene having
a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group or a thiol group was synthesized. Lithium
counter-ion of the manufactured telechelic polymer was replaced with hydrogen in the
same manner as in Example 1. By controlling the ratio of the amount of styrene to
the concentration of lithium naphthalenide , the molecular weights of the polymers
were controlled in the range of 500 ~ 100,000. Chain-end functionalization was then
performed by following the same procedures as those in Example 1. The functionalization
yield of the polymers was not less than 98 mol%.
Example 3
[0042] According to the same method as in Example 1, poly(butadienyl)lithium was synthesized,
followed by functionalizations using the above terminating agents resulting in the
production of chain-end functionalized polymers having hydroxyl group, carboxyl group,
sulfonic acid group, and thiol groups.
[0043] According to the same method as in Example 2, styrene of molar ratio of 4 times over
lithium naphthalenide was first put in 1 L of a reactor to generate a real initiator
in 400 mL of benezene. Butadiene purified over n-bultyllithium at -78°C was then delivered
into the reactor after 4 hours, followed by polymerization at 25°C for 24 h. Thereafter,
telechelic polymers were synthesized by following the same procedures as in Example
2. The control of the ratio of the amount of butadiene to the concentration of lithium
naphthalenide made the molecular weights of the resulting polymers in the range of
1,000 ~ 200,000 g/mol. Functionalization was performed according to the same method
as in Example 1. The functionalization yield for synthesis of telechelic polymers
was not less than 98 mol%.
Example 4
[0044] Each of 1,1-diphenylethylene derivatives of 4,4'-bis[(dimethyl)amino] phenylethylene,
4,4'-bis[ di[(trimethylsilyl)]amino ] phenylethylene, 1-[4-bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]phenyl-1-phenylethylene,
1-(4-dimethylamino)phenyl-1-phenylethylene, 4,4'-bis[(t-butyldimethyl)silyloxy]phenylethylene,
1-[(
t-butyldimethyl)silyloxy]phenyl-1-phenylethylene with 2 molar excess over the concentration
of living polymer was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran under high vacuum, respectively,
and each solution was then added to the living poly(styryl)lithium solution manufactured
according to the same method as in Example 1. The reaction was performed at room temperature
for 24 h with stirring.
[0045] The reaction was terminated by adding degassed methanol. The removal of the silane
protecting group with an excessive amount of concentrated sulfuric acid (2 N solution)/tetrahydrofuran
solution was carried out. The molecular weights of the resulting polymers were also
controlled in the range of 1,000 ~ 200,000 g/mol and the functionalization yield was
over 99.5 mol%.
Example 5
[0046] According to the same method as in Example 4, the diphenylethylene derivatives of
Example 4 were added in the living polymer solution synthesized by the same procedures
as in Example 2. The functional group was hydrogenated by following the same procedures
as in Example 4 and the molecular weights of the polymers were 1,000 ~ 200, 000. The
functionalization yield was over 99 mol%.
Example 6
[0047] Poly(styrene-
b-methy methacrylate), poly(styrene-
b-butadiene-
b-methyl methacrylate), poly(styrene-
b-4-vinylpyridine), and poly(styrene-
b-2-vinylpyridine) were prepared via
sec-butyllithium-initiated block copolymerizations in different reaction conditions,
respectively. Each block composition was controlled as 75 : 25, 50 : 50 and 25: 75
for diblock copolymers, respectively, and 75 : 50 : 25 for triblock copolymer. The
total molecular weights of the polymers were controlled in the range of 20,000 ~ 500,000
g/mol.
Example 7
[0048] In order to synthesize block copolymers functional groups shown in Formula 8 the
same procedures as in Example 6 were followed. One of the diphenylethylene derivatives
mentioned in Example 4 was introduced into the living polymer solution obtained, followed
by polymerizing the second monomer sequentially and adding the other derivative. Next,
the third monomer was delivered into the reactor containing living block copolymer
and polymerized in a proper solvent system for at least 5 h. As an example, for poly(styrene
-b- butadiene
-b- methyl methacrylate), sec-butyllithium-initiated block, copolymerization was carried
out in THF at -78°C for 24 h. The reaction was terminated with degassed methanol,
and followed by deprotection of the silane group using an excess amount of concentrated
sulfuric acid (2 N)/tetrahydrofuran solution. The total molecular weight of the block
polymers was usually controlled within 20,000 ~ 500,000 g/mol.
Example 8
[0049] 0.1 g of each functionalized polymer prepared in Example 1 carrying hydroxyl, carboxylic
acid, sulfonic acid, and thiol group at the chain end, was dissolved in 10 ml of a
mixture of toluene/methanol (80/20, v/v) using 50 mL vials. Thereafter, the air was
replaced with argon gas. 1 gram of cadmium acetate dihydrate [(CH
3CO
2)
2Cd·2H
2O] was also dissolved in 10 ml of toluene/methanol (volume ratio of 80/20) in the
vial. Thereafter, the air was replaced with argon gas. 1.7 ml of the cadmium salts
solution was taken from the vial, followed by delivering it into the polymer solution
in each vial and mixed with stirring for 2 h.
[0050] About 40 ml of hydrogen sulfide (H
2S) was injected by using a syringe to the solution in each vial and the vials were
kept at room temperature for at least 4 h with stirring. The color of the solution
in each vial changed from light yellow to orange. Brown or orange powders were obtained
by precipitation of the reactants in an excess amount of methanol. The size of cadmium
sulfide (CdS) in each powder was in the range of 5 nm ~ 30 nm on the basis of the
photographs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The polymer-coated CdS nanoparticles
in the polymer were stable for more than 3 months in ambient air, and were easily
dissolved in benzene, toluene or tetrahydrofuran.
Example 9
[0051] Each polymer (0.1 g) synthesized in Example 2 with molecular weight of 2,500 g/mol,
and having hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, sulfonic acid group and thiol group was
dissolved in 10 mL of the mixture of toluene/methanol (80/20, v/v) in 50 mL vials
analogous to those in Example 8 at room temperature. Thereafter, the air was replaced
with argon gas. One gram of cadmium acetate dihydrate [(CH
3CO
2)
2Cd-2H
2O] was also dissolved in 10 ml of the toluene/methanol mixture (volume ratio of 80/20)
in each 50 mL vial. Thereafter, the air was replaced with argon gas. 1.7 ml of the
cadmium salts solution was added to the polymer solution in each vial and mixed with
stirring for 2 h.
[0052] Afterwards, about 40 ml of hydrogen sulfide (H
2S) at atmospheric pressure was taken by using a syringe, followed by delivery to the
solutions in each vial and reacting for 4 h. The color of the solution in each vial
changed from light yellow to orange. Brown or orange powders were also obtained by
precipitation of the reaction solution in an excess amount of methanol and filtration.
The size of cadmium sulfide (CdS) in each powder was 5 nm ~ 30 nm.
[0053] Fig. 1 is a typical TEM photograph of the CdS nanoparticles stabilized by telechelic
polymers having hydroxyl groups at both chain ends, as synthesized above. Fig. 2 represents
a typical TEM photograph of the CdS nanoparticles stabilized by telechelic polymers
having sulfonic acid group at both chain ends, as synthesized above.
Example 10
[0054] 0.1 g of functionalized polybutadiene having molecular weight 2,800 g/mol manufactured
in Example 3 was used for preparation of nano-sized CdS particles by following the
same procedures as described in Example 8. The particle size of the obtained CdS was
in the range of 3 nm ~ 20 nm.
Example 11
[0055] 0.1 g of telechelic polymer having a molecular weight of 3,500 g/mol manufactured
in Example 4 was also used for preparation of nano-sized CdS particles by following
the same procedures as described in Example 9. As a result, nano-sized CdS particles
having size of 5 nm ~ 30 nm were obtained.
Example 12
[0056] 0.1 g of chain-end functionalized polymer having molecular weight of 2,800 g/mol
prepared in Example 4 was also used for preparation of polymer-stabilized CdS particles
by following the same procedures as described in Example 9. The size of the resulting
CdS particles exhibited 10 nm ~ 35 nm.
Example 13
[0057] Each chain-end functionalized polymer (0.1 g) synthesized from Examples 1 and 2 was
dissolved in 10 ml of the mixture of methanol/toluene (10/90, v/v) in a vial. Again,
1.0 g of lead (II) acetate trihydrate [(CH
3CO
2)
2Pb·3H
2O] was dissolved in 10 ml of the mixture of toluene/methanol. The synthesis of nano-sized
PbS particles was conducted by following the same procedures as described in Example
9. The color of the solution was orange and the size of particles in each mixed solution
was in the range of 5 nm ~ 25 nm.
Example 14
[0058] 0.1 g of telechelic polymer of molecular weight of 2,200 having sulfonic acid groups
at both chain ends manufactured in Example 2, was dissolved in a mixture of methanol/distilled
water (20/80, v/v) using a 50 mL vial, followed by adding 2 g of FeCl
2·4H
2O. The air in the vial was replaced with argon gas and then 5 ml of sodium hydroxide
solution (12.5 N) was added with stirring. The color of this mixture in the vial was
light green. The vial was heated at temperature of about 60 °C, and 2 to 10 ml of
hydrogen peroxide was added with stirring and reacted for 5 h. The solution was precipitated
in an excess amount of n-pentane leading to the production of polymer powder. The
size of γ-Fe
2O
3 particles in the polymers was in the range of 5 nm ~ 15 nm.
Example 15
[0059] Each telechelic polymer (25 g (0.01 mol)) of the molecular weight of 2,500 g/mol
having hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, and sulfonic acid group as manufactured in
Example 2 was dissolved respectively in 100 ml of a mixture of distilled water/tetrahydrofuran
(70/30, v/v) within a 500 ml Pyrex flask. 0.0043 g (1.0 x 10
-5 mol) of potassium tetrachloroplatinate (II) (K
2PtCl
4; 98%) was then added, followed by stirring of the solution under argon stream for
30 min. After injecting hydrogen gas (purity: 99%) in the rate of 20 ml/min for 5
min, the reaction vessel stood for 24 h after blocking the vessel with a rubber septa.
Then, the reaction solutions were precipitated in n-pentane to obtain yellow powder.
Bivalent platinum ions [Pt(II)] having the size of 5 nm ~ 30 nm were prepared in a
polymer matrix.
Example 16
[0060] According to the same method as in Example 15, 0.0033 g (1.0 x 10
-5 mol) of potassium tetrachloropalladate (K
2PdCl
4; 98%), instead of K
2PtCl
4, was added. All reactions followed the same procedures as described in Example 15.
The size of the prepared Pd(II) was in the range of 5 nm ~ 30 nm.
Example 17
[0061] 50 g of chain-end functionalized polymer of molecular weight of 2,500 carrying hydroxyl
group, primary amine group or tertiary amine group as synthesized in Example 4, was
dissolved in 250 ml of distilled water/tetrahydrofuran (50/50, v/v) mixed solution,
followed by addition of 2 mM of aqueous K
2PtCl
4 solution. 0.04 mM of NaBH
4 was added as a reducing agent, and the reaction carried out at room temperature for
6 h. The size of the nano-sized platinum Pt particles as manufactured was in the range
of 3 nm ~ 20 nm.
Example 18
[0062] 20 mg of polymer having the tertiary amine group manufactured in Example 4 was dissolved
in 250 ml of distilled water/toluene (50/ 50, v/v) solution in a 500 ml round bottom
flask. Next, 3 ml (30 mM) of HAuCl
4 solution was added and then 2.5 ml (0.4 M) of NaBH
4 solution was added as a reducing agent in the reactor with stirring, followed by
standing at room temperature for 24 h. The aqueous fraction of the solution was removed
after the reaction was completed and the toluene fraction was washed several times
with an excess amount of distilled water. The color of the toluene solution prepared
as above was deep red. The solution was precipitated in an excess amount of methanol
and filtered. The resulting product was red polymer powder. The size of the nano-sized
Au particles in the powder ranged 2 nm ~ 30 nm.
Example 19
[0063] 12 mg (0.066 mM) of palladium chloride (PdCl
2) was dissolved in 50 mL (25/25, v/v) mixture of ethanol/distilled water. This salt
solution was mixed with a solution made of 12 g (5 mM) of telechelic polymer having
a hydroxyl group at the chain end with molecular weight 2,400 synthesized in Example
4, and dissolved in 100 mL of a mixture of ethanol/toluene (50/50, v/v). Reaction
was carried out at room temperature for 24 h. The toluene fraction of dark brown solution
was washed with distilled water and precipitated in an excess amount of methanol resulting
in the production of brown powder. Analysis by TEM revealed the size of palladium
(II) metals distributed in a polymer matrix was in the range of 35 nm ~ 150 nm.
Example 20
[0064] 16.2 ml (0.05 mol) of titanium tetraisopropyloxide [Ti(Oi-Pr)
4] was dissolved in 30 ml of distilled water with stirring for 1 h, thereby generating
white precipitation. The resulting product was washed with an excess amount of distilled
water and was put in a 1 L of high pressure reactor (available from Buchi company).
0.06 mol of tetramethylammonium hydroxide [(CH
3)
4N
+OH
-] was added to produce a white slurry, and an aqueous alkali solution was added in
order to make pH of the solution 8. The temperature in the reactor was maintained
at about 130 °C and the solution was stirred for 3 ~ 6 h. The color of the solution
was very light blue and pH of the solution was about 13. 0.1 ~ 1.0 wt% of polymers
having sulfonic acid group or carboxyl group prepared in Example 2 were delivered
to the slurry in the reactor. The size of TiO
2 particles ranged 2 nm ~ 45 nm depending on the concentration of polymers.
Example 21
[0065] 10 g of poly(styrene -
b- methyl methacrylate) copolymer (molecular weight: PS=50,000, PMMA=20,000) synthesized
in Example 6 was dissolved in 100 ml of toluene, and then 0.01 g of the nano-sized
powder prepared in Example 9 was added thereto and stirred for 2 h. The resulting
solution was cast on a glass plate to obtain a film. Based on the analysis of the
film by electron microscopy, the nano-sized CdS particles were well distributed on
the interface of the poly(styrene -
b- methyl methacrylate).
Example 22
[0066] 10 g of poly(styrene -
b- 4-vinylpyridine) copolymer [PS; 10,000, P(4-VPy); 2,500] prepared in Example 6 was
dissolved in 50 ml of dimethylsulfoxide. Then, 0.01 g of nano-sized γ-Fe
2O
3 particle powder prepared in Example 14 was added and stirred for 4 h. The resulting
solution was used for solvent-casting on a glass plate to obtain a film. Based on
analysis for the size of particles on the film through electron microscopy, the nano-sized
iron dioxide particles were well distributed on the interface of the block copolymer.
Example 23
[0067] 10 g of poly(styrene
-b- 4-vinylpyridine) block copolymer [PS; 10,000, P(4-VPy); 2,500] synthesized in Example
6 was dissolved in 50 ml of dimethylsulfoxide. Then, 0.01 g of nano-sized Au particle
powder prepared in Example 18 was added. A film was made in accordance with the same
method as in Example 21 and analyzed. The result showed nano-sized Au particles well
distributed on the interface of the block copolymer.
Example 24
[0068] 10 g of poly(styrene
-b- methyl methacrylate) copolymer (PS; 20,000, PMMA; 10,000) with molecular weight of
30,000 g/mol carrying tertiary amine group within the chain and hydroxyl group at
chain end, was dissolved in 10 ml of a mixture of distilled water/tetrahydrofuran
(20/80, v/v). Then, 1 g of cadmium acetate dihydrate [(CH
3CO
2)
2Cd·2H
2O] was added thereto and reacted in accordance with the same method as in Example
8 to obtain a yellow powder. By analyzing the powder through electron microscopy,
the nano-sized CdS particles were well distributed on the interface of block copolymer.
[0069] The present invention can provide new and simple methods to prepare nano-sized particles
capable of easily accomplishing nanostructure by merely mixing, especially with block
copolymers, and have excellent stability. Further, the present invention can overcome
limitations in uses of conventional nano-sized particles, and can control both concentration
and molecular weight of polymers used for stabilizing the nano-sized particles and
controlling their size. Additionally, polymers including nano-sized particles stabilized
by semi-telechelic polymers can be dissolved in various organic solvents such as benzene,
toluene, and tetrahydrofuran. The nano-sized particles prepared by using telechelic
polymers are stable for three months or longer even if they are not dissolved in solvents
because metals or metal salts act as crosslinking agents.
[0070] While the present invention has been described with respect to the particular examples,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications
may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
1. Nano-sized metal particles or their salts stabilized by using chain-end functionalized
polymer matrices with molecular weight of 1,000 ~ 100,000, selected from the group
consisting of the following formulas 1 ~ 5

wherein, R
1 and R
2 are hydrogen (H) and methyl group (-CH
3) or
t-butyl group [-C(CH
3)
3]; X
1 and Y
1 are independently carboxyl group (-COOH), hydroxyl group (-OH), sulfonic acid group
(-SO
3H), phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3) or thiol group (-SH); and, n is an integer of 10 to 5,000.

wherein, R
3 and R
4 are hydrogen (H) or methyl group (-CH
3); X
2 and X
3 are hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group] or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3); and m is an integer of 20 to 10,000, and Formula 5

wherein, X
4 is hydroxyl group (-OH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group]; Y
2 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group] or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3); A
1 is a styrenic monomer; B
1 is methyl methacrylate (MMA), vinylpyridine or diene monomer; and, o and p are each
an integer of 10 to 5,000.
2. The nano-sized metal particles or their salts of Claim 1, wherein the size of metal
particles ranges 1 nm ~ 500 nm.
3. The nano-sized metal particles or their salts of Claim 1, wherein the metal particles
are selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Pt (II), Pd (II), CdS, TiO2 and γ-Fe2O3 particles.
4. A method for synthesizing nano-sized metals or their salts formed within a polymer
matrix, comprising the steps of:
providing chain-end functionalized polymer of Formulas 1 to 5 having the molecular
weight of 1,000 ~ 100,000 of Claim 1;
dissolving the polymer in a solvent;
adding a metal salt solution to the resulting solution to make the molar ratio of
polymer: metal salts to be 1000 : 1 ~ 1 : 1; and
adding a reducing agent to the mixed solution.
5. The method of Claim 4, wherein the size of the metal particles ranges 1 nm ~ 500 nm.
6. The method of Claim 4, wherein the solvent is a nonpolar solvent, a polar solution
or a mixed solvent of the polar solvent and the nonpolar solvent.
7. The method of Claim 4, wherein the reducing agent is H2S, H2O2 or NaBH4.
8. Nano-sized metal particles or their salts, which are stable in air and formed within
a matrix of telechelic polymers (α,ω-difunctionalized polymers) of the following Formula
6 having molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000

wherein, A
2 is styrenic monomer, MMA, vinylpyridine monomer or diene monomer; n is an integer
of 10 to 5,000; and X
5 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group], sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3).
9. The nano-sized metal particles or their salts of Claim 8, wherein the size of metal
particles ranges 1 nm ~ 500 nm.
10. The nano-sized metal particles or their salts of Claim 8, wherein the metal particles
are selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Pt (II), Pd (II), CdS, TiO2 and γ-Fe2O3 particles.
11. A method for synthesizing nano-sized metals or their salts formed within a polymer
matrix, comprising the steps of:
providing a chain-end difunctionalized polymer of Formula 6 having the molecular weight
of 1,000 ~ 100,000 of Claim 8;
dissolving the polymer in a solvent;
adding a metal salt solution to the resulting solution to make the molar ratio of
polymer : metal salts to be 1000 : 1 ~ 1 : 1; and
adding a reducing agent to the mixed solution.
12. The method of Claim 11, wherein the size of the metal particles ranges 1 nm ~ 500
nm.
13. The method of Claim 11, wherein the solvent is a nonpolar solvent, a polar solution
or a mixed solvent of a polar solvent and a nonpolar solvent.
14. The method of Claim 11, wherein the reducing agent is H2S, H2O2 or NaBH4.
15. A nanostructure, wherein the nano-sized metal particles are self-assembled by mixing
with block copolymers of the following Formula 7 or 8 wherein phase separation occurs,

wherein, A
3 is styrenic monomer; B
2 is MMA, vinylpyridine or diene; m and n are each integers of 10 to 5,000; X
6 is hydrogen (H), hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group]; and Y
3 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group], or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3).

wherein, each of A
4, B
3 and C are different and are styrenic monomer, diene, MMA or vinylpyridine; k, m and
n are each an integer of 10 to 5,000; X
7 and Y
4 are hydrogen (H), hydroxyl group (-OH), amine group (-NH
2) or tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group]; Y
5 is hydroxyl group (-OH), carboxyl group (-COOH), sulfonic acid group (-SO
3H), thiol group (-SH), amine group (-NH
2), tertiary amine group [-N(R)
2; R = methyl or ethyl group] or phthalic anhydride group (-C
6H
3C
2O
3).
16. A nanostructure, wherein the nano-sized particles of Claim 8 are self-assembled by
mixing the block copolymers of Formula 7 or 8 of Claim 15 wherein phase separation
occurs.